Modular medical apparel for use by patients during medical care and treatment

ABSTRACT

A concern for medical patients and caregivers is suitable apparel that provides comfort, dignity, easy dressing and access to the body without unnecessary body exposure. Critically ill patients&#39; fragile skin is easily damaged when handled and patients recovering from broken limbs or surgery experience the need for easier ways to dress and accommodate medical devises and treatment. 
     Modular medical apparel provides slip-on and snap-seam construction of shirts and pants to meet treatment needs and pulling overhead or up the body is avoided. Plastic snap closures enable the patient to wear the apparel during routine examinations, x-rays, chemo therapy, MRI and other treatments, eliminating change of clothing and body exposure. The apparel is adaptable to amputees and has the appearance of sportswear. Optional features include, but are not limited to, removable sleeves, flexible seam closures, moisture control, antimicrobial, stain resistant, flame retardant, and Velcro, stainless steel or plastic fasteners.

From technical design drawings and pattern construction, the six items (three tops and three pants), will be manufactured for men, women and children in a variety of fabrics—from 100% cotton to moisture absorbent and germ resistant fabrics. Manufacturing facilities in the U.S. as well as offshore companies will be used. Special order options will be available to patients with special needs.

This section of the application describes and demonstrates the utility of the modular medical apparel as shown in technical drawings and photographs and the written description of two major apparel items (shirts and pants). Any color shown on the claimed technical drawings and photographs forms no part thereof. The fastener construction features a choice of using (1) stainless steel snaps and grommets; (2) plastic snaps; (3) Velcro fasteners; or plastic grommets which will allow the patient to wear the apparel in x-ray, MRI, etc. medical treatments, thereby eliminating the need to change clothing. Optional features will also include variations of necklines on the shirts (round, v-neck, and other design choices). Fabric features and choices will include: moisture management fabrics (wicking), antimicrobial, germ killing agents, and flame retardants. Fabric content choices will include: 100 percent cotton, cotton/polyester blends, 100 percent polyester, and other textile blends to provide comfort.

“The color shown on the claimed technical drawings and photographs forms no part thereof.” The technical drawings and photographs support the construction utility of the shirts as follows:

-   -   (1) Sizing for adults (short, medium and tall lengths as well as         standard small, medium, large and extra large); and for         children.     -   (2) Modular shirts in three (3) lengths (hip length, thigh         length and knee length) as well as two sleeve lengths (short and         % length);     -   (3) Optional pocket construction holds medical monitor         equipment;     -   (4) Removable raglan sleeve can be removed without losing         integrity of shirt utility or construction;     -   (5) Partial fastened non-removable raglan sleeve (for access to         IVs, etc.); and     -   (6) Fastener plackets positioned from neckline to side front of         shirt.

“The color shown on the claimed technical drawings and photographs forms no part thereof.” Technical drawings and photographs support the construction utility of the pants as follows:

-   -   (1) Sizing for adults and children in short, medium and tall         lengths as well as small, medium, large and extra large;     -   (2) Pants in three (3) lengths (boxer shorts length, knee length         and ankle length);     -   (3) All pants have extra long rise to accommodate catheter,         diapers and other medical equipment;     -   (4) Draw string with elastic waist;     -   (5) Hidden fastener plackets on the entire length of one side;     -   (6) Hidden fastener plackets on the entire inseam;     -   (7) A non-binding ankle band on the bottom of long pants; and     -   (8) Optional detachable pant legs for amputee patients.

The concept of modular medical apparel has already been tested on a cancer patient who had lost most of his mobility and was receiving home health care and a patient critically injured in an automobile accident resulting in several broken limbs. The design of the product was based on:

-   The desire to provide the patient with comfort and dignity (in place     of the traditional hospital gown design)—semi-fit to look like     sportswear. -   The need to minimize movement of the patient to avoid bruising and     skin tearing injury—patient lies on side, apparel is slipped on,     patient rolls over on back, apparel is snapped on front side; and     then removable sleeve is snapped in place without disturbing IVs and     other medical equipment. The same procedure is used to slip on pants     without disturbing catheters. -   The need to minimize patient bed sores—less fabric to bunch up and     create impressions in skin which lead to bed sores and bruising. No     fabric tie knots to do the same. -   The need to allow a caregiver easier patient clothing changes; and     easier access to IVs, catheters and other medical tubing and     equipment—regular clothing prohibits easy changing when IVs or     catheters are in place. You cannot put on a regular shirt if the     patient is connected to IVs and other medical equipment. -   The need for clothing that can be worn from bed or a hospital room     to an outside location or in the public without embarrassment to the     patient.

The technical drawings and photographs are as follows:

FIG. 1 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “shirt” using side fastener closures.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel “shirt” using side fastener closures.

FIG. 3 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “removal & reversible (from to back) sleeve shirt” with fastener closures.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel “removal & reversible (from front to back) sleeve shirt” with fastener closures.

FIG. 5 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “nightshirt” using side fastener closures. The nighshirt is the same utility and construction as the shirt except for length. There is no photograph of the nightshirt.

The features of modular medical apparel pattern construction of shirts include:

-   As shown in the attached drawings and photographs, sizing for adults     and children in short, medium and tall lengths as well as small,     medium, large and extra large; -   Modular shirts in three (3) lengths (hip length, thigh length and     knee length) and two sleeve lengths (short and % length); -   Optional pocket construction to hold medical monitor equipment; -   Removable raglan sleeve (fastens on and off when changing clothes     and can be removed without losing integrity of shirt. -   Snapped non-removable raglan sleeve (for access to IVs, etc.).

The features of modular medical apparel pattern construction of pants include:

FIG. 6 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “boxers” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “boxers” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 8 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “shorts” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 9 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “shorts” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 10 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “pants” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 11 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “pants” using side and inseam fastener closures.

-   As shown as the above referenced drawings and photographs, sizing     for adults and children in short, medium and tall lengths as well as     small, medium, large and extra large; -   Pants in three (3) lengths (boxer shorts length, knee length and     ankle length); -   All pants have extra long rise to accommodate catheter, diapers and     other medical equipment; -   Draw string with elastic waist; -   Hidden fastener plackets on the entire length of one side; -   Hidden fastener plackets on the entire inseam; -   A non-binding ankle band on the bottom of long pants; and -   Optional detachable pant legs for amputee patients.

THE WAY A PERSON (PATIENT OR CAREGIVER) WILL USE THE INVENTION

The modular medical apparel slips onto the patient's body rather than pulling over the head or tugging on arms and legs to pull on bed clothing. The apparel slips on one side of the body by rolling the patient on his side; then the patient is then rolled over and the apparel is then fastened in placed without disturbing medical tubing and other equipment. Limited motion of the patient is required to fully undress or dress a patient.

The removal sleeve and reversible option (front to back) is one of the most important features of the three shirts (three lengths—hip, thigh and knee lengths). Not only does the removal sleeve make changing clothes easier but it provides access for medical equipment (IVs, etc.) while keeping a patient warm and comfortable. The feature was designed for both the caregiver and the patient. Pants are constructed to allow a slip-on feature rather than a pull up on the patient. The pants will be easier for the patient who is bedridden and requires a caregiver to assist in dressing, as well as for the patient who is recovering from knee surgery, loss of limb or in sports medicine therapy.

The hidden fastener placket on the shirts and pants was designed to protect the patient from minor skin intrusions in addition to avoiding discomfort to the patient. Shirts can be slipped onto the patient and the pants can be slipped on the patient as well. Slipping on the apparel from the side of the body avoids pulling clothing overhead or pulling garments up the legs—both procedures are difficult when the patient is not able to help dress himself. Drawings indicate the hidden fastener plackets and show how the apparel opens for the easy slip-on features.

The modular medical apparel was tested on a cancer patient who had lost most of his mobility. The design of the product was based on:

-   The desire to provide the patient with comfort and dignity (in place     of the traditional hospital gown design)—semi-fit to look like     sports wear. -   The need to minimize movement of the patient to avoid bruising and     skin tearing injury—patient lies on side, apparel is slipped on,     patient rolls over on back, apparel is fastened on front side; and     then removable sleeve is snapped in place without disturbing IVs and     other medical equipment. The same procedure is used to slip on pants     without disturbing catheters. -   The need to minimize patient bed sores—less fabric to bunch up and     create impressions in skin which lead to bed sores and bruising. No     fabric tie knots to do the same. -   The need to allow a caregiver: easier patient clothing changes; and     easier access to IVs, catheters and other medical tubing and     equipment—regular clothing prohibits easy changing when IVs or     catheters are in place. You cannot put on a regular shirt if the     patient is connected to IVs and other medical equipment. -   The need for clothing that can be worn from bed or a hospital room     to an outside location or in the public without embarrassment to the     patient.

MODE OF CARRYING OUT INVENTION

The modular medical apparel will be manufactured in the U.S. Offshore production will only be used when US production is no longer available. Fabrics, trims, and services will be American-made products if available. Manufacturers have already been identified in the U.S. The modular medical apparel will be made available through government contract procurements, medical facilities, sports medicine facilities and public retail markets for home health care and Hospice use.

The initial apparel testing and apparel marketing has been conducted. Apparel sample products were made by the University of Clemson, Apparel Research Center in South Carolina. The South Carolina Center for Women, a U.S. Small Business Administration sponsored program, in Columbia, S.C., has provided business planning and development assistance to the Inventor. Also providing assistance is the Center for Women in Charleston, S.C.

Marketing and procurement activities will be conducted by the inventor. Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry has twenty years federal government service (U.S. House and Senate in Washington, D.C.) and the U.S. Small Business Administration in senior staff positions. With more than twenty years private sector service, Elizabeth has federal procurement and business development experience in Washington, D.C. and South Carolina.

The first modular medical apparel, referred to as BarryBasics, was produced in honor and memory of Lt. Colonel A. P. Barry, USMC, Retired, husband of Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry. More than 300 gift sets of the apparel have been distributed to wounded warriors and cancer patients. Apparel for women and children are scheduled for availability in the Fall of 2009.

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

I, Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry, have invented a new utility design & construction of modular medical apparel, as Shown in the following drawings and photographs.

FIG. 1 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “shirt” using side fastener closures.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel “shirt” using side fastener closures.

FIG. 3 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “removal & reversible (from to back) sleeve shirt” with fastener closures.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel “removal & reversible (from front to back) sleeve shirt” with fastener closures.

FIG. 5 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel “nightshirt” using side fastener closures.

FIG. 6 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “boxers” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “boxers” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 8 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “shorts” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 9 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “shorts” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 10 is a technical drawing of the design & construction of a modular medical apparel pair of “pants” using side and inseam fastener closures.

FIG. 11 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical apparel pair of “pants” using side and inseam fastener closures.

I claim the design and construction for modular medical apparel as shown and described.

I have invented modular medical apparel to be used by patients receiving medical care and treatment for the purposes of providing comfort, dignity, easy access to the body for treatment and invasive tubing and intravenous sites, as well as ease in changing clothing by caregivers in the following claim: 

1: The apparel's modular shirts interchangeable units have the utility of seam fastener closures and pattern construction providing easy body access and removal. 2: The apparel's modular pants interchangeable units have the utility of side and inseam fastener closures and pattern construction providing easy body access and removal. 